Best of Both Worlds is a two phase project to develop an Action Plan for promoting workforce readiness to support a healthy mixed economy. Phase 1 involved a literature review, workshop, focus group and interviews to learn about the status of the regional mixed economy and develop preliminary recommendations as the basis for the community-based action planning phase. Preliminary terminology research provided insights into Dene concepts related to the mixed economy.

Recommendations in the Phase 1 report will be used to inform community-based pilot projects and action planning in Phase 2, and priority items identified by communities will serve as indicators for evaluating the project. A total of 29 recommendations were made in the areas of program development, education and training, communication and awareness-building, and research. Click here to view report.

Key gaps to be addressed in Phase 2 are: documenting Dene concepts in the traditional economy; better understanding gender issues; drawing key lessons from the experience of the mining industry in the NWT; learning from the Native Employment Training Study from the 1980s (Frances Abele, Gathering Strength 1989); and addressing results of the 2012-14 Sahtú Oil and Gas Exploration Needs Assessment. Key research being conducted for the Tulı́t'a Community Readiness project will also be helpful.